Festivals Made Safer with These Three Simple Tips

Festivals are becoming more and more common worldwide, taking place over a number of days with attendance numbers soaring into the hundreds of thousands. With so many people venturing into the festival scene, it is important to keep your safety in mind. So how do you stay safe when attending a festival? Here are three tips on how to stay safe during a festival:

Tip #1: Stay Mindful

One of the best ways to look out for your own safety during the festival season is to remain mindful throughout your time partying. The idea of mindfulness can mean a number of different things, but when discussing personal safety, staying mindful typically refers to being aware of your surroundings.

It’s easy to become caught up in the celebration at a festival, but it is important to keep your personal safety in mind. Make sure that you are aware of where first aid and security tents are located, on the off chance you require assistance, medical or otherwise. Pay attention to the nerve people who are around you and be attentive to things that may seem odd or out of place.

One great way to stay mindful of your surroundings is by using the buddy system. Having a friend attend the festival with you is a great way to stay safe. With a friend, you are able to enjoy the festival with another person while also looking out for each other during all of the fun.

Another way to stay mindful at festivals is to come prepared. Consider bringing your own small first aid kit. If you or someone you are with happens to fall or have another non-emergency accident, you are able to provide care without having to visit the medic tent. In addition, consider bringing your own condoms. You never know who you will meet during a festival, and practicing safe sex is important, especially with someone you may not know well.

Tip #2: Eat and Drink Responsibly

Attending a festival often means staying overnight where the event is being held. This means festival-goers must eat and drink on festival grounds. Consider bringing your own food and drink to any festivals you attend, provided outside food and drinks are permissible. There are a number of reasons that bringing your own food and drink supply is beneficial in a festival setting. First, it is likely that bringing your own food and beverages will save you money. Meals from food trucks and other vendors at festivals can cost an arm and a leg.

Bringing your own supply of water also guarantees that you can stay hydrated throughout the event. When considering which foods to bring along with you, think about what types of foods will fuel your body. Bring fruits and vegetables if able, or opt for something that will fuel your body and is easy to eat on the go, like granola bars or protein bars. These items can be easily stored in a backpack or fanny pack for simple transport.

Oftentimes attending festivals means parties late into the night, and with partying often comes drinking. While having a drink or two can help you let loose and enjoy the event, it is important to not abuse alcohol, or at least drink responsibly. Remember not to take open drinks from strangers, as you do not really know what the drink contains, and make sure you keep drinking water between alcoholic beverages.

Tip #3: Protect Your Skin

Festivals are most commonly located outdoors, which means long hours in the sun during the day. The sun can do a considerable amount of damage to the human body over time, especially when spending more time outdoors than normal. By taking a few precautions, you can mitigate the effects of sun exposure. The first thing to do is to ensure you are always wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen should be applied over any exposed skin before venturing outside, especially in the desert areas where festivals are commonly held. Sunscreen should be reapplied periodically and should be on-hand at all times. Another great way to protect yourself from the sun is to avoid sun exposure when possible.

While this option is not always practical, in your off time during a festival try your best to remain in the shade, which will give your skin a break from the sun’s rays. Wear hats and sunglasses to help prevent sun damage to your face and eyes. Always make sure to keep water with you, as the sun dehydrates the body at a rapid pace. Lastly, if you think you may get sunburned or if you have particularly sensitive skin, make sure to bring aloe Vera gel, which helps soothe and heal burns once they happen.

All In All

Attending festivals can be a great way to get away and experience something new. Keeping safety at the forefront of your mind when preparing for a festival helps to ensure your time there will be smooth sailing!